A DEDICATED Halesowen football physio is celebrating three decades of touchline service.

Gavin Blackwell, currently the physio at Halesowen Town, has covered over 700 games in three spells at the club.

Gavin was part of John Morris's backroom staff that won the Southern League title in 1989/90.

He lists FA cup games with Cardiff and Tranmere as other highlights of his time with the Yeltz.

Gavin said: "Being involved in football in whatever capacity is not so much a job as way of life.

"Players need help in all sorts of ways and from all directions if they are to cope with physical and mental draining over a long year.

"You need to be part of the players, but also apart from them. Part of the management team, but not judgemental so that players feel your impartial yet concerned. It not an easy tightrope to walk."

Gavin also spent time at Stourbridge FC and was part of the team that won consecutive Midlands Alliance titles in 2001/02 and 2002/03.

He also had spells at Oldbury United and Hednesford Town but rejoined boyhood club Halesowen Town last year.

Halesowen Town currently play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, having narrowly avoided relegation.